HOST: Michael Whitworth
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
Part of being a faithful child of God is found in taking care of our relationships with others. God desires that we treat others with kindness and compassion and show the same love toward others that God has shown toward us. Admittedly, this is sometimes a challenge as we face our own imperfections and the shortcomings of others. To patiently and lovingly forgive others and to humbly ask forgiveness of our wrongdoings is often a difficult thing to do. But what Jesus wants us to realize is that our relationships with others have an indelible effect, not only on our physical lives, but also on our spiritual well-being and relationship with God. The feelings, thoughts, and motives with which we view our earthly relationships can enhance or hinder our worship, our prayer life, and our faithfulness to God. Thus, Jesus teaches us to take those relationships seriously and to take care of them, understanding that they are related to our all-important relationship with God.
How has your spiritual life been affected by your earthly relationships?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
